Calhoun County, AL – Spectrum, a leading provider of broadband services, has announced today the receipt of a significant grant from the Alabama Capital Projects Fund, totaling over $340,000. This grant aims to extend gigabit high-speed internet access to more than 450 homes and small businesses in Calhoun County. With Spectrum’s additional investment of nearly $2.3 million, the total project value surpasses $2.6 million, signifying a substantial commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region.
This grant is part of a broader initiative by Spectrum, which has secured a total of 23 grants to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure across Alabama. These efforts are aimed at bridging the gap in high-speed internet access for approximately 21,000 additional homes and small businesses throughout the state.
State Senator Keith Kelley expressed his support for the partnership between the state and Spectrum, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the community. “I’ve been a lifelong advocate for my community and partnerships that make it stronger,” Senator Kelley remarked. “The decision to partner with Spectrum to expand broadband internet access in Calhoun County will deliver the best connectivity offerings to the county’s families and small businesses.”
Alabama’s Capital Projects Fund grants represent a crucial step in Spectrum’s rural construction initiative, which includes a substantial investment of approximately $5 billion in unserved rural communities. This initiative has been bolstered by Spectrum’s success in securing over $1 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction, aiming to provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states.
Taylor Vice, Sr. Director of Government Affairs at Charter, Spectrum’s parent company, commended the leadership of Governor Ivey, her administration, and the Alabama Legislature for prioritizing public-private partnerships in expanding broadband access. “We applaud Alabama officials in helping us make a meaningful difference for residents,” Vice stated.
Currently serving 654,000 customers in Alabama and employing over 1,200 residents in the state, Spectrum remains committed to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development through its broadband infrastructure initiatives.
The grant awarded to Spectrum represents a significant step towards achieving broader access to high-speed internet in Calhoun County, marking a positive stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with enhanced connectivity opportunities.
